Surviving the Cook Islands, Episode 5: Mentally Checked Out?

Aitu is trying to figure out how to do it. They’re close, with only two feet left to get onto or above the platform. At this point, I’m wondering how long they need to be above the platform. Can they just pull their feet up, declare victory, and all fall down? Doesn’t matter, as the owners of the feet (in that mass of people, I have no idea whose they are) are pulled up for long enough for Probst to declare Aitu the winners, then they jump into the water.

Aitu celebrates, but Raro is not happy. Nate is positively pissed, slapping the water. Stephannie just sits atop the tower, looking depressed.

Raro returns to camp, trying to cheer each other up. Cristina wanders off and immediately the plotting against her begins. There seems to be a general consensus in favor of booting her. In fact, Jenny calls it “unanimous.” They’re all annoyed by her talking a big game but not performing around camp.

But then Stephannie opens up her mouth again and tells Nate she could see herself going home to get some mashed potatoes and gravy. Oy. Will she never learn? Nate wonders if this means she’s done, especially after her comment last episode admitting she was the weakest link.

Nate tells the other guys what Stephannie said. Brad says she’s already “mentally checked out.” He relates it to Parvati, who says she’ll think about it. Parvati talks to Stephannie, asking if she wants to stay in the game. Yes, she does. So Parvati mentions the mashed potatoes comment. Stephannie laughs and says it’s amazing how things can be taken out of context. Parvati lectures her on something she should already know by now – that if she slips up and says something, they’re going to use it against her (I presume the “they” in question are the guys).

Stephannie tells us she needs to just keep her mouth shut. Agreed! She says she was just having fun and didn’t expect Nate to turn it into a big deal. She wants to be there, but she won’t beg.

Parvati relates the discussion to Rebecca and Adam and says she doesn’t think Stephannie said what Nate claims. She states, “I’m voting my conscience.”

And that voting will take place soon – but not before Tribal Council. They arrive and Probst begins the questioning with Adam. Why is the tribe not doing well at challenges? Adam says they are improving and their communication is better. They were “dominating” until the end. Uh, not really – you had a small lead. Anyway, Adam is proud of them and says they’ll be fine.

Who does Brad get along with best? He gets along with everybody. He wishes he could say he doesn’t like a certain person, but he can’t. Where does Stephannie think she fits in the group? She says she hasn’t formed any close-knit bonds with anyone, though she’s friendly with them all. When she’s needed, she’s three; when she’s not, she’s not.

Nate is asked about the vote against J.P., who was deemed “bossy.” Is there more harmony now or is there a new boss in town? He says Cristina can sometimes be a little overbearing and dominating.

Probst calls it “a big batch of brutal honesty” and Cristina says she never knew they felt that way. She says it may be because of her normal environment, which is around police officers. She didn’t mean to offend and it’s done. Maybe too late, officer.

Does Adam think the tribe has been honest with each other? He does – he thought Cristina knew she was that way. Does Rebecca think the tribe should be more candid with one another. Oooh, I’ll answer: Hell no! Look what that’s done for Stephannie twice now! But Rebecca says she’ll know better after tonight, because this is the most honest thing that’s come out of Tribal Council. So she’ll see how it goes back at camp.

With that, it’s time to vote. Cristina votes against Stephannie with nothing bad to say. Stephannie returns the favor, saying, “just because.” And those are the only two votes we see.

Probst tallies and reads the votes: Cristina, Stephannie, Stephannie, Stephannie (uh oh), Stephannie (buh-bye), Stephannie. I guess Parvati’s conscience said “Stephannie,” as did everybody else. One thing is certain: Cristina lucked out big time that Stephannie opened her big mouth again. And thus the curse of Billy is (barely) broken.

In her last words, Stephannie says she would have loved to stay in the game a little longer. But if your mind’s not completely there 100%, then your tribe will feel that you don’t want to be a weak link. She had wonderful tribemates and is thankful for the experience – she wouldn’t trade it for the world. But maybe for some mashed potatoes and gravy. OK, that last sentence was mine, not hers.

Next week: Tribal Council repercussions from the statements about Cristina. And Cao Boi has some weird dream about spirits and the immunity idol. Also, both tribes will vote somebody out. I’ll be there – hope you’ll join me!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent Survivor: Cook Islands articles here on RealityNewsOnline:

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